There is nothing quite so heartbreakingly sad as a child who leaves the godly teaching of a father and a mother and sets out on the well-worn path towards the Prodigal's pig sty. Many parents weep to see their children heading for the swine, and despair at seeing them sit comfortably among the swine's. Innumerable are the prayers that have risen before God's throne for such offspring. The story of one such child returning, one such prodigal bowing to God's com­mandments, should encourage the spirits of many parents who have almost lost hope.

What is the relevance of Puritans for the church today? We can learn from them because the objective of the Puritans must be ours also in terms of their relationship with God, striving for perfection, and submission to scripture. Let us learn from the Puritans.